£24,000/ 36 days pa
About the role
Introduction
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) is a tribunal Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the DWP.
The Pensions Ombudsman is an independent statutory Commissioner appointed by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints of maladministration by the trustees or managers of a pension scheme, or by an employer on a pensions matter. TPO supports the Ombudsman, and the Deputy Pensions Ombudsman, by providing an accessible, free, and impartial service for people with complaints about their pension scheme to help them resolve their dispute without having to go to court. The decisions of the Ombudsmen are legally binding but in the first instance the organisation will try to resolve issues and disputes informally.
The TPO Board was established following a review in 2019 which recommended that a full board structure with a majority of NEDs be put in place to improve the governance of the growing organisation.
Paul Maynard MP, Minister for Pensions
Thank you for your interest in the pivotal role of Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO). TPO is at a crucial juncture and the new Chair will perform a critically important and challenging role.
In recent years, the impact of automatic enrolment has significantly increased the numbers of those saving into a workplace pension, resulting in a higher volume of cases managed by TPO and consequently an increase in waiting times. At the same time TPO is tackling an important service modernisation and transformation agenda, to put the customer at the centre of its new operating model .
I am looking for a Chair who can effectively navigate these complexities and steer TPO towards achieving its full vision of being a trusted, fair, and impartial service. The Chair will balance this with delivering a streamlined customer experience and ensuring everyone has a smooth pathway to remedy pension complaints.
As TPO tackles this agenda the Chair will need to collaborate with other public bodies, Parliament, and a wide range of stakeholders across the UK to implement the priorities outlined in the Corporate Strategy.
I am seeking a Chair with a commitment to first class public services, to building personal trust across the pensions sector, and a leader that is seeking to make a significant early impact and difference. It is equally important for the Chair to be passionate about the Government’s aim to fostering financial resilience in later life whilst ensuring the integrity of the Ombudsman, as a vital part of the pensions system.
I am committed to promoting greater diversity in all DWP’s public appointments. If you have the experience and skills that TPO are seeking, I strongly encourage you to apply. This is a demanding but profoundly rewarding opportunity, and I look forward to seeing how your leadership will help shape the future of TPO.
Should you have any questions about the appointment process, please do not hesitate to contact the DWP Public Appointments Team at alb.publicappointments@dwp.gov.uk.
Additional introductions
Peter Schofield, DWP Permanent Secretary
I want DWP and our arm’s-length bodies to be places where everyone, whatever
their background, feels encouraged to achieve their potential. I believe attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including regional diversity and the
full range of socio- economic groups, will allow us to be better able to provide the
best possible support to those we serve.
DWP continues to support Cabinet Office in working towards 50% of all public appointees to be female and 14% of all public appointments to come from ethnic minority backgrounds. We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone.
If you are looking for an opportunity to use your talents to make a difference to the
lives of millions of your fellow citizens, we look forward to hearing from you.
Role description
The Chair of TPO will play a pivotal role in steering our organisation towards a bright and impactful future. We seek an individual who embodies leadership, strategic foresight, and a genuine commitment to TPO’s values and mission. Key responsibilities and attributes include:
•Leadership Excellence: Guide and support the Ombudsman and the Executive Team while holding them accountable for the delivery of TPO’s strategic objectives and financial integrity;
•Strategic Oversight: Working with the Ombudsman to set TPO’s strategic direction ensuring alignment with DWP ministerial priorities while promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources;
•Cultural Ambassador: Champion TPO’s values, fostering a culture of fairness, collaboration, openness, trust, respect, and continuous learning within the organisation;
•Agenda Setting: Shape board meetings to focus on strategic objectives and incorporate critical, emerging topics;
•Board Integration: Oversee the induction of new board members, ensuring they are well-integrated and understand their roles and responsibilities within TPO’s governance framework;
•Innovative Mindset: Leverage your experience to encourage fresh thinking and problem-solving, demonstrating independence of thought and a curious, innovative mindset to drive forward TPO’s transformation agenda;
Governance Expertise: Ensure TPO’s affairs are conducted with probity. Conduct performance evaluations and ensure the effectiveness of the board and its members is reviewed including annual assessment of the performance of the board and individual board members, and an external effectiveness review every three years;
•Strategic Communication: Exhibit outstanding communication skills, articulating TPO’s vision and strategic plans with clarity and enthusiasm;
•Diversity and Inclusion: Lead with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a space where every voice is valued and contributes to TPO’s collective success;
•Passion for Transformation: Bring a passion for driving transformation, whether through technology, public sector innovation, or other avenues, to propel TPO organization forward;
•Commitment to Impact: Show a sincere dedication to making a meaningful impact on TPO organisation and the people it serves; and
•Demonstrating commitment to the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies and the Seven Principles of Public life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (see Annex 1).
•Value for money and ensuring organisational effectiveness : delivering cost effective solutions and ensuring financial responsibility to maximise organisational efficiency and stakeholder value.
This role is not just a position but a chance to make a significant, positive difference in TPO and the wider community to ensure fairness and accessibility to TPO services. If you are ready to lead with vision, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, we welcome your application.
Regulation of appointment
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website
Person specification
Essential criteria
•You will possess strong and effective senior leadership qualities including the ability to shape and support the delivery of agreed goals, priorities and statutory obligations, and the ability to lead through others;
•You will have the ability to operate constructively and build positive relationships with board level and senior stakeholders – in particular, the ability to engage and build effective relationships quickly with stakeholders in the Pensions industry;
•You will have some excellent chairing experiences of board committees and communication skills including the ability to influence people;
•You will have experience and a strong passion for driving organisational transformation, particularly through technology or innovations;
•You will be able to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of corporate governance and a clear understanding of the role of the executive versus that of non-executive; and
•You will be able to demonstrate the ability to fulfil the role with professional integrity, exemplifying the highest standards of behaviour in public life.
Desirable criteria
•Understanding of the Ombudsman or dispute resolution sector; and
•You will have an understanding of the economic and political environment within which the public sector operates.